Sourdough Sandwich Bread

Make the best soft crust sourdough sandwich bread with our easy no-knead recipe. With its delightful texture and rich flavor, this sourdough sandwich bread is perfect for any meal, whether you’re making sandwiches for lunch or serving slices with dinner. Enjoy the unique tang of sourdough combined with a soft crust that makes it irresistible. You’ll find it’s an excellent choice for toasting or simply slathering with butter.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Preparation: This no-knead recipe allows you to create delicious bread without the fuss of traditional kneading techniques.
• Versatile Use: Perfect for sandwiches, toast, or alongside soups and salads, this bread complements various meals.
• Soft Crust Delight: Enjoy a wonderfully soft crust that makes each slice a joy to eat.
• Long-lasting Freshness: Homemade sourdough sandwich bread stays fresh longer than store-bought varieties, reducing waste.
• Sourdough Starter Utilization: This recipe gives purpose to your sourdough starter, whether it’s discard or fed.

Tools and Preparation

To make your sourdough sandwich bread effortlessly, you will need a few essential tools. These items help simplify the process and ensure great results every time.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Dough whisk or wooden spoon
• Kitchen towel
• Loaf pan
• Cooking spray
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Large mixing bowl: Provides ample space for mixing ingredients without spilling.
• Dough whisk: Helps combine ingredients thoroughly while minimizing effort.
• Loaf pan: Ensures your bread holds its shape while baking.

Ingredients

To create this delightful sourdough sandwich bread, gather these simple ingredients:

For the Bread

• 1/3 cup sourdough starter (65 grams) (discard or fed 12-24 hours prior see notes below)
• 1⅓ cups warm water, filtered (300 grams) (95º to 100º F or baby bottle warm)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (56 grams) (or 2 rounded tablespoons of honey)
• 4 cups bread flour (500 grams) (or all-purpose flour)
• 1½ tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (20 grams) (or your preferred cooking oil)
• 2 teaspoons fine salt (9 grams)

How to Make Sourdough Sandwich Bread

Step 1: Combine Ingredients

Add the starter to a large bowl. Mix in warm water and sugar, stirring until dissolved. Add flour, oil, and salt. Stir with a dough whisk or wooden spoon until a thick, shaggy dough forms.

Step 2: Rest the Dough

Flour your hands or wet them, then finish mixing the dough by hand until most of the flour is absorbed. Don’t worry about leftover flour on the sides. Cover with a clean damp kitchen towel and let it rest for 30 to 45 minutes.

Step 3: Stretch and Fold

Coax the dough from the bowl and stretch it four inches before pushing it down the middle and turning it 1/4 turn until you form a circle. Return the dough to the bowl, cover again, and let rise at room temperature or in a warm area for 4-12 hours to ferment.

Step 4: Shape the Dough

In the morning, lightly flour your counter top. Remove the dough from the bowl and gently stretch it into a rectangle. Use your fingers to dimple the surface to release air. Roll up the dough into a log shape and cover it; let it rest for 10 minutes.

Step 5: Prepare for Baking

Spray your loaf pan with cooking spray. Tighten the dough log by pulling it gently towards you along the countertop for about 5-8 inches. Place it seam side down in your loaf pan. Cover and let rise for 1-2 hours until doubled in size.

Step 6: Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 375ºF. If desired, brush egg wash over the top of your loaf.

Step 7: Bake Your Bread

Bake in the center of the oven for about 40 minutes until golden brown on top. After removing from oven, wait 10 minutes before tilting the pan to cool on a rack.

Step 8: Cool Before Slicing

Wait at least one hour before cutting into your bread; this helps prevent deflation.

With these steps completed, you’ll have delicious homemade sourdough sandwich bread ready for any meal! Enjoy!

How to Serve Sourdough Sandwich Bread

Sourdough sandwich bread is versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a delightful snack, here are some fantastic serving suggestions.

Classic Sandwiches

• Turkey and Avocado: Layer sliced turkey with creamy avocado and fresh greens for a nutritious meal.
• Classic BLT: Combine crispy bacon, lettuce, and ripe tomatoes for a timeless favorite.
• Grilled Cheese: Melt your favorite cheese between slices of sourdough and grill until golden brown.

Toasted Variations

• Avocado Toast: Smash avocado on toasted bread, sprinkle with salt, pepper, and chili flakes for a trendy treat.
• French Toast: Dip slices in an egg mixture and cook until golden. Serve with syrup or fruit for brunch.

Simple Snacks

• Bread with Olive Oil: Drizzle fresh extra-virgin olive oil over slices for a simple yet flavorful appetizer.
• Cheese and Crackers: Pair sliced sourdough with assorted cheeses for an easy snack platter.

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How to Perfect Sourdough Sandwich Bread

Making the perfect sourdough sandwich bread requires some attention to detail. Here are essential tips to ensure your loaf turns out beautifully every time.

• Use Active Starter: Ensure your sourdough starter is bubbly and active before using it for the best rise.
• Measure Flour Accurately: Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements; this will greatly affect the dough consistency.
• Monitor Dough Temperature: Keep the dough in a warm area during fermentation to encourage yeast activity.
• Don’t Rush the Rise: Allow sufficient time for rising; longer fermentation enhances flavor and texture.
• Preheat Your Oven Properly: Make sure your oven reaches the desired temperature before baking to achieve a perfect crust.

Best Side Dishes for Sourdough Sandwich Bread

Sourdough sandwich bread pairs well with various side dishes that complement its flavor and texture. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Garden Salad: A fresh mix of greens, cucumbers, and tomatoes enhances any sandwich meal.
2. Potato Chips: Crunchy chips add texture contrast to soft sandwiches; opt for homemade if possible!
3. Coleslaw: Creamy coleslaw provides a refreshing crunch alongside rich flavors of meats.
4. Soup: Pair your sandwich with a hearty soup like tomato basil or chicken noodle for ultimate comfort food.
5. Pickles: Tangy pickles offer an excellent contrast that elevates any bite of sandwich.
6. Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned, roasted veggies make a healthy side that harmonizes beautifully with sourdough bread.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Sourdough Sandwich Bread, it’s easy to run into some common pitfalls. Here are mistakes to watch for and how to avoid them:

• Ignoring the Starter’s Health: Using a weak or old sourdough starter can affect the rise and flavor of your bread. Make sure your starter is active and bubbly before using it.
• Skipping the Rest Period: Not allowing the dough to rest sufficiently can result in dense bread. Always give your dough enough time to ferment and develop flavor.
• Overworking the Dough: Mixing or kneading the dough too much can lead to tough bread. Use gentle stretching and folding techniques instead.
• Incorrect Oven Temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature can cause uneven cooking. Ensure your oven is preheated to 375ºF for the best results.
• Cutting Too Soon: Slicing into your loaf before it has cooled completely can make it gummy. Patience is key; let it cool for at least an hour.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container or wrap tightly in plastic wrap.
• Sourdough Sandwich Bread stays fresh for up to 5 days in the fridge.

Freezing Sourdough Sandwich Bread

• Wrap slices or whole loaves tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing quality.

Reheating Sourdough Sandwich Bread

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350ºF, then heat the bread for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate and heat for about 10-15 seconds.
• Stovetop: Lightly butter each side of a slice and toast on a skillet over medium heat until golden brown.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Sourdough Sandwich Bread:

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour, but bread flour yields a chewier texture due to its higher protein content.

How do I know when my sourdough is ready to bake?

Pressing your finger into the dough should leave an indentation that slowly springs back. If it holds the shape, it’s ready!

Why did my sourdough bread not rise?

Possible reasons include using an inactive starter, not giving enough fermentation time, or incorrect measurements of ingredients.

Can I add flavors or ingredients?

Absolutely! You can incorporate herbs, cheeses, nuts, or seeds into your dough for added flavor and texture.

How long does sourdough sandwich bread last?

When stored properly, it lasts up to 5 days in the fridge or 3 months in the freezer.

Final Thoughts

This Sourdough Sandwich Bread recipe offers a delightful combination of softness and flavor that makes it perfect for sandwiches or toast. Its versatility allows for various customization options—experiment with different add-ins like herbs or cheese! Give this simple recipe a try, and enjoy fresh homemade bread at home!